Singer/songwriter Marissa Lamar teamed up with drummer Neil Briggs in 2014 to create Highland Kites, then later adding guitarist Alex Edwards to create the current incarnation of the indie folk-rock band that have produced is a heart-wrenching, yet uplifting, indie album. The EP, I’m Not Weak, is a 5-song mastering of what it is to be an independent band that creates music for emotional release and aural enjoyment. The Los Angeles-based trio are the definition of what it means to be an independent. They do not conform to any genre, although we do attempt to categorize, or any subscribed style. They play music as it was intended from the heart with songs written with a personal connection.
In today’s music, most songs are built or formulated. There are no real personal connections to the music. One person writes the hook. One person writes the melody and on and on, which is why when someone wins a Grammy, there are like 20 people credited. It is kind of ridiculous. The beauty of what Highland Kites produces is that it is just them and their producer Raymond Richards writing and singing about personal experience. This is why there is such and emotional connection with the music. It draws you in with its realism and its honesty.
What is also nice is there is a bit of variety from track to track. With the title track, “I’m Not Weak”, there is a bit more of a rock influence and with other tracks like, “Nothing To Say”, which is a bit more piano-driven. There is a little bit of something for every type of indie-rock fan.
There is so much to love about I’m Not Weak, but listen for yourself. There is a chance that Highland Kites will be that surprise band you may have normally overlooked and that would be a shame.
The new EP, I’m Not Weak, by Highland Kites will be available July 29, 2017, but feel free to pre-order the album on their BandCamp site.
